Vincent Gasparro «95% Trusted»

He officially retired as Chief Engraver in 1981 after 43 years of service. However, he remained a consultant to the Mint until his death.

The original Kennedy half-dollar was designed by Mint Engraver Gilroy Roberts (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse—notice the spelling difference; "Frank" was a nickname). Wait—there is a common confusion here. Many people search for and confuse him with Frank Gasparro . In fact, Vincent Gasparro changed his professional name to Frank Gasparro early in his career because he felt "Vincent" sounded too foreign in 1940s America. "Frank" was a nod to Benjamin Franklin. But his legal name remained Vincent. So, when you see "Frank Gasparro" in coin catalogs, you are looking at Vincent Gasparro. vincent gasparro

There is no conspiracy. There is only the reality of die wear and Gasparro’s specific bas-relief technique. He officially retired as Chief Engraver in 1981

Before entering federal politics, Gasparro built a20-year career spanning finance, government, and the non-profit sector. Ontario Liberal Party Finance & Sustainability: He served as Head of Sustainable Finance Wait—there is a common confusion here

His father worked as a tailor, but he recognized his son’s talent. Despite the family’s modest means, they encouraged Vincent to pursue his passion. He attended evening classes at the prestigious Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in Manhattan, while working odd jobs during the day to support his family during the Great Depression. He later continued his studies at the Grand Central School of Art, studying under the renowned sculptor Chester Beach.

By the late 1950s, was a senior engraver, but he was still waiting for a design entirely his own. That opportunity arrived in 1958. For 50 years, the Lincoln cent had featured the classic "Wheat Ears" reverse designed by Victor David Brenner. But 1959 marked the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The Mint decided it was time for a change.